KASARANI STADIUM, Nairobi – August 3 – Harambee Stars secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in their opening match of the Total Energies CAF CHAN 2024 tournament, held today at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
In the 47th minute, just before halftime, Star’s Austine Odhiambo thrilled the ecstatic crowd, which included President William Ruto, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and CAF President Patrice Motsepe, by scoring the solitary goal.
The goal came after the Stars’ wingers executed a scintillating display of Tiki-Taka football, setting up Odhiambo with a perfect pass.
He confidently advanced towards the DRC defenders, sidestepped them, and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that beat goalkeeper Efonge Liyongo, putting the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead.
Earlier, in the 7th minute, DRC star Kitambala Bola quieted the home crowd with a screamer that found the back of the net.
However, the visitors’ celebrations were short-lived, as South African referee Jelly Alfred Chavani, with assistance from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), disallowed the goal.
It was ruled that Basiala Amongo had fouled Kenyan captain Aboud Musa just outside the box while attempting to clear the ball.
In the 15th minute, Mokonzi Katumbwe missed a golden opportunity to score, failing to convert a free header from a set piece curled in from the right side.
In the 28th minute, DRC goalkeeper Efonge was forced to make a save against a fierce shot from Kenyan winger Masoud Juma, which was eventually cleared by the defence.
Buoyed by the home fans, the Stars pressed forward in search of the opener, but David Sakwa’s shot went off target after a well-crafted setup by Masoud Juma outside the penalty area.
The Leopards, managed by N’goma Kondi, made desperate attempts to equalise, but their efforts were consistently thwarted by the resolute Harambee Stars players.
In a post-match interview, Stars head coach Benni McCarthy expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance.
“I’m proud of my team; many of them were stepping onto such a big stage for the first time. Beating one of the tournament favourites is huge for us. We were nervous at the start, but once the boys settled down, they showed real bravery,” he stated.
“Austine Odhiambo displayed great composure and skill to give us the lead just before the break. It was the perfect time to score—right when they thought we would head into halftime level.”
With this win, Harambee Stars now have three points in Group A, which also includes two-time CHAN champions Morocco, Angola, and Zambia.
Harambee Stars’ next match will be against Angola on Thursday.
The CHAN 2024 tournament is co-hosted by Tanzania and Uganda under the slogan “Pamoja” (Together).
